Psalms 9:1

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוֹדֶ֣ה

H3034

I will praise

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

thee O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לִבִּ֑י

H3820

with my whole heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֲ֝סַפְּרָ֗ה

H5608

I will shew forth

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ׃

H6381

all thy marvellous works

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?